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Binge Eating is a Common Problem in the United States

Posted Oct 01 2009 10:05pm

A lot of people overeat every once in a while. It is common to snack on a whole bag of potato chips while watching a movie or over indulge in cookies and desserts during the holidays. When overeating becomes a common practice it is considered a serious eating disorder called binge eating.

Binge eating is the most common eating disorder effecting nearly 3% of all adults in the United States alone. Women are more likely to have this disorder than men. A normal person may consume approximately 2,000 calories a day while a binge eater can eat 10,000-20,000 calories on just one binge.

People usually associate binge eating with obesity, although not everyone with this disorder is obese. Most people who are overweight are not binge eaters. Some people with this problem are sneaky and hide their disorder from family and friends. It may also be difficult for them to seek binge eating help.

If you believe you or your loved one has this disorder here are some common symptoms to look out for:

Binge eaters are often seen eating large amounts of food and they continue to eat even when full.

During a binge the eater consumes his food rapidly.

He may also feel that his behavior is out of control.

Many binge eaters also suffer from depression and anxiety.

Losing weight becomes harder even with frequent dieting.

Binge eaters tend to hoard food and hide empty food containers.

Many people are not aware of this common disorder. If you believe you may be suffering from binge eating discuss your symptoms with your doctor. If this isn't controlled it may lead to obesity, heart disease, or diabetes.